It is impossible to appreciate the difficulty for people to be decanted from the bustle of town life to the countryside. It would take time for these new houses in the west of Edinburgh to become home. Eventually, organisations sprung up within the church, but to begin with, a major contribution was made by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, who visited and welcomed new families and encouraged them to attend St Joseph's. A friendly bond was established, with many people becoming pass-keepers; welcoming people, organising families for the offertory procession, etc. The young mothers also had a group, offering support and many friendships were born. Youth organisations were founded; Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides and various youth clubs. A prayer group was also established.
Fr Thomas Power was appointed third parish priest in May 1977. His experience as a chaplain to Saughton Prison was useful, as he knew many possible trouble makers and so established a good rapport with the locals!
His father had been a headmaster, so like Fr Maccabe he appreciated the importance of the school linking with the parish. He quickly became well known to the people of Broomhouse and many turned to him for help and advice.
During his time, he made major alterations to the sanctuary, removing the altar rails, opening it up, replacing the altar and transforming it to make it suitable for the modern liturgy. In the church, a false ceiling was installed, with rafters guiding your eyes to the crucifix above the altar. The Sacristy had to be rebuilt as a result of fire, which Fr Power discovered as he returned from his mother's funeral. Luckily, the doors to the sacristy were locked so the fire was contained and did not spread to the church, but it resulted in all the beautiful vestments being lost.
Fr Power introduced Eucharistic Ministers in the church. He also established a Bible Study group, with deep, practical insights into scripture.
The Parish boundary was changed during Fr Power's tenure, with the Calders becoming part of the new St John Ogilvie's Parish, and Stenhouse being included in St Joseph's, switching from St Cuthbert's. Fr Power was a very generous and dedicated man. Money collected for his Jubilee was donated back to the Parish, with the provision of a new Baptismal font and new kneelers. Readers were also introduced.. Spiritually, he had a great sense of dignity and reverence. Socially, he was known for his great sense of humour, with a legendary impersonation of Tommy Cooper.
Fr Power's last mass at St Joseph's was in April 1987, and he returned for a presentation in August 1987. Fr Andrew Forrest was appointed fourth Parish Priest and arrived in May 1987. Unfortunately, within weeks of his arrival, the house was burgled - not exactly a warm welcome!
In spite of this initial setback, Fr Power became well known in the Broomhouse Community Centre and was even active in their pantomimes. His special ministry was to the sick and housebound, ensuring he spent quality time with each person. Every year he went on the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, and was often chaplain to the sick.
Fr Forrest moved to Bo'ness in 1995, but has kept in regular touch with the parish, visiting with the Ladies' guild and keeping in touch with some of the housebound.